INDIANAPOLIS — Going back to school won’t be free, but there are ways to begin the year well without going overboard.
Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shared some money-saving strategies for parents and families for this annual end-of-summer ritual.
She said there are seven items you should already have from past years that you should not have to repurchase:
- Backpack
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Binder
- Lunch box
- Calculator
- Locker decor
In her blog, Cherie also shares some tips on clothing. "Your child may need some necessities replaced, especially if they’ve grown over the summer," she said. "However, you don’t need to replace their entire wardrobe."
A child will appreciate a new outfit for the first day of school, so purchase that if you can. Check the clearance racks first.
"If your school requires uniforms, they may have a place to donate items that no longer fit and pick up pieces either for free or at a discount that others have passed along, too," she said.
Wait to buy fall clothes because weather will stay hot for several more months, and double-check the dress code for your school.
Watch Cherie's full segment with WTHR's Gina Glaros in the video player.